How to Answer Questions
Before you go any further you need to understand that there are very specific ways to answer exam questions.
You must NEVER (Jamais, Nicht, Non, Nei...):
This is genuinely end of the world stuff. It means you're not paying attention, not reading the questions and you haven't done anything to prepare yourself. You wouldn't go down a coal mine without a canary, hard hat and Fred Dibnah so don't go into an exam with your eyes closed.
So what SHOULD you do?
You must NEVER (Jamais, Nicht, Non, Nei...):
- "Just write anything"
- Waffle
- Write as much as you can in the hope you get something right
This is genuinely end of the world stuff. It means you're not paying attention, not reading the questions and you haven't done anything to prepare yourself. You wouldn't go down a coal mine without a canary, hard hat and Fred Dibnah so don't go into an exam with your eyes closed.
So what SHOULD you do?
- Look for the KEY word in the question (Give, Discuss, Explain etc)
- Look for the CONTEXT of the question - "John uses his computer for launching cyber attacks on the company that fired him"
- Look at the number of marks - this guides you as to how many STRUCTURED sentences you are about to write.
Know Your Key Words
OCR don't keep this secret, they're very open about the fact that exam questions are written in a very deliberate way which makes it obvious what you should do.
Questions are broken down according to how hard they are and, therefore, how many marks are available.
Questions are broken down according to how hard they are and, therefore, how many marks are available.
1 Mark Key Words and Their Meaning
These are the absolute basics. If you see these words in a question then all you have to do is write a one word answer or a very short sentence:
The key here is be specific - give exactly the piece of informaton you have been asked for. No explanation necessary.
For example "State two types of memory."
Example answer "RAM and ROM"
- List
- State
- Identify
The key here is be specific - give exactly the piece of informaton you have been asked for. No explanation necessary.
For example "State two types of memory."
Example answer "RAM and ROM"
1-2 Mark Key Words
These are one of the most common question types in the exams and are often worth 2 marks.
Define requires you to give the meaning of a word or phrase given in the question. In other words, tell us what it is/means!
- Define
Define requires you to give the meaning of a word or phrase given in the question. In other words, tell us what it is/means!
More Complex Question Key Words
These key words are in questions worth between 2-4 marks:
Where you are asked to compare, you must use the key word "whereas" which forces you to make a direct comparison between the two things you've been asked to talk about.
Again, worth between 2-4 marks
Explain questions are where you give a detailed answer which includes either reasons, causes or effects. An answer structure that usually works for explain questions is "What is it, how does it work, give an example which relates to the question." We will repeat this to you in class a lot.
The hardest types of questions, between 4-9 marks each:
Finally, we have the hardest type of question. These key words will be used in questions worth 4 or more marks and are looking for you to prove you really understand something.
Discuss means you have to give both sides of a story/argument - which means advantages or disadvantages, benefits or drawbacks. Each point you make should be backed up with evidence/understanding/definitions.
Evaluate and Analyse questions are where you discuss the implication of each point you make - what does this mean in the real world, for a user, for the person in the question?
These are the questions we will work on most in class and you'll need the most practise with.
- Describe
- Compare
Where you are asked to compare, you must use the key word "whereas" which forces you to make a direct comparison between the two things you've been asked to talk about.
Again, worth between 2-4 marks
- Explain
Explain questions are where you give a detailed answer which includes either reasons, causes or effects. An answer structure that usually works for explain questions is "What is it, how does it work, give an example which relates to the question." We will repeat this to you in class a lot.
The hardest types of questions, between 4-9 marks each:
- Discuss
- Evaluate
- Analyse
Finally, we have the hardest type of question. These key words will be used in questions worth 4 or more marks and are looking for you to prove you really understand something.
Discuss means you have to give both sides of a story/argument - which means advantages or disadvantages, benefits or drawbacks. Each point you make should be backed up with evidence/understanding/definitions.
Evaluate and Analyse questions are where you discuss the implication of each point you make - what does this mean in the real world, for a user, for the person in the question?
These are the questions we will work on most in class and you'll need the most practise with.
The Magic CS Answer Structure
There is a "shortcut" which you can use to get you out of trouble in an exam, but it is NOT a substitute for knowing the key words and answering appropiately.
However, if you are in doubt:
When you answer a CS exam question that is worth more than 1 mark, you need to:
Thats it. Really. You'll be fine if you just stick to the rules!
Have an example:
Q. Explain why a computer needs a Secondary Storage device? [3 Marks]
A. Secondary storage is large, permanent, non-volatile storage. (What it is) It enables computers to store data when the power is off, unlike RAM which is volatile, storage will not lose data when the power is turned off. (How it works/what it does). If a computer did not have secondary storage, users would not be able to store files or programs from one power cycle to another. (Example/related to the question)
That really is it. If you stick rigidly to this style of answer then you will be able to achieve most marks on most questions. There are always exceptions, obviously, but this is an excellent start or fail safe if you're unsure.
However, if you are in doubt:
When you answer a CS exam question that is worth more than 1 mark, you need to:
- Say "what it is" - Give a definition
- Say "how it works" - Explain what the definition means/what a component does (for example)
- Give an example or relate your answer to the context of the question.
Thats it. Really. You'll be fine if you just stick to the rules!
Have an example:
Q. Explain why a computer needs a Secondary Storage device? [3 Marks]
A. Secondary storage is large, permanent, non-volatile storage. (What it is) It enables computers to store data when the power is off, unlike RAM which is volatile, storage will not lose data when the power is turned off. (How it works/what it does). If a computer did not have secondary storage, users would not be able to store files or programs from one power cycle to another. (Example/related to the question)
That really is it. If you stick rigidly to this style of answer then you will be able to achieve most marks on most questions. There are always exceptions, obviously, but this is an excellent start or fail safe if you're unsure.
Examples of Question Types and Key Words
Give, state, list, identify.
These are the easiest of questions. All you are expected to do is put down one simple fact or piece of knowledge - no explanation or extra information is required. Sometimes these questions just require you to write a list of one word answers (for 2, 3, 4 marks perhaps).
Example, over the top, answer to the question above:
"URL's consist of letters and symbols and are easier to remember than IP addresses which are just numeric"
Example, over the top, answer to the question above:
"URL's consist of letters and symbols and are easier to remember than IP addresses which are just numeric"
Describe.... Difference...
When you see the word "difference" in an exam question you need to do two things:
For example, in this question the answer would be:
"A URL is a memorable address which consists of letters or words whereas an IP address simply consists of 4 numbers seperated by dots."
- Give two definitions/facts
- Use the word "whereas" between them
For example, in this question the answer would be:
"A URL is a memorable address which consists of letters or words whereas an IP address simply consists of 4 numbers seperated by dots."
Describe (2 marks)
Generally, when you see the word "Describe" you need to:
For example, in the question above, the answer would be:
"The control unit is responsible for sending control and timing signals to the components of a CPU (definition/fact). For example it would send control signals to RAM to indicate Read/Write. (What this does/examples)"
- Give a definition/fact
- Explain what that means/what it does/give an example
For example, in the question above, the answer would be:
"The control unit is responsible for sending control and timing signals to the components of a CPU (definition/fact). For example it would send control signals to RAM to indicate Read/Write. (What this does/examples)"
Describe/Explain (3-4 Marks)
These questions are very similar to standard "describe" questions, only this time you're giving the complete picture:
For example, in the question above, the answer would be:
"Virtual memory is an area/file on a secondary storage device which can be used as RAM (definition/fact). When physical RAM is full, idle or infrequently used programs can be 'swapped' into virtual memory, creating space for new programs in physical RAM. (How it works/What it means) This means a computer can open/run more programs than physical RAM would normally allow. (Example/Fact/Advantage)"
- Definition
- How it works/what that means
- Example related to the question/Further fact or detail/Advantage
For example, in the question above, the answer would be:
"Virtual memory is an area/file on a secondary storage device which can be used as RAM (definition/fact). When physical RAM is full, idle or infrequently used programs can be 'swapped' into virtual memory, creating space for new programs in physical RAM. (How it works/What it means) This means a computer can open/run more programs than physical RAM would normally allow. (Example/Fact/Advantage)"
Big Scary Long Answer Questions
Long answer questions normally strike fear/loathing/misery into the hearts of students - and for good reason, it looks like you've got to write a perfect essay about a topic without really knowning how to ever achieve top marks.
This should not be the case!
Long answer questions are easy. If you follow these rules:
Example:
This should not be the case!
Long answer questions are easy. If you follow these rules:
- Pick 3 or 4 facts related to the scenario given in the question
- Write 3 or 4 paragraphs, one for each fact in the following format:
- State the fact and give its definition
- Explain what it means
- Relate it to the scenario or context, giving examples or arguing both sides of the point.
- Finally, write a very short conclusion
Example:
In this question, they've been so kind to you that they've done the hard bit for you and given you the list of things to talk about! I doubt this will happen every time, so consider yourself very lucky if this happens.
So, in this example, once you have your list of 3-4 things you're going to talk about, simply construct a simple paragraph for each which follows the rules above, like this:
"Increasing RAM - RAM is used to store open, running programs and data. (Definition/Point) RAM is faster than Secondary Storage so speeds up system performance. The more RAM a system has, the more open programs and data it can hold. (Explanation/showing knowledge) The impact of increasing RAM would be the ability to have more programs open, faster multi tasking and potentially faster system performance in general. However, she will not notice an increase in performance if she is not using all of the RAM she currently has. (Related to the scenario, examples given, advantage/disadvantage)"
If you write three paragraphs like this in your answer, you cannot fail to get top mark band.
Finally, as an insurance, add in a simple conclusion:
"To conclude, I would recommend she prioritieses the purchase of an SSD as this will give the greatest overall improvement in system performance and give the best cost/benefit ratio."
Notice, there are NO marks for:
Simply get to the point as quickly as you can and follow the 3-4 paragraph technique.
So, in this example, once you have your list of 3-4 things you're going to talk about, simply construct a simple paragraph for each which follows the rules above, like this:
"Increasing RAM - RAM is used to store open, running programs and data. (Definition/Point) RAM is faster than Secondary Storage so speeds up system performance. The more RAM a system has, the more open programs and data it can hold. (Explanation/showing knowledge) The impact of increasing RAM would be the ability to have more programs open, faster multi tasking and potentially faster system performance in general. However, she will not notice an increase in performance if she is not using all of the RAM she currently has. (Related to the scenario, examples given, advantage/disadvantage)"
If you write three paragraphs like this in your answer, you cannot fail to get top mark band.
Finally, as an insurance, add in a simple conclusion:
"To conclude, I would recommend she prioritieses the purchase of an SSD as this will give the greatest overall improvement in system performance and give the best cost/benefit ratio."
Notice, there are NO marks for:
- Writing as much as you can and needing endless extra paper
- Waffle
- Writing anything you can think of in an unstructured way.
Simply get to the point as quickly as you can and follow the 3-4 paragraph technique.
How to Revise
Remember you are not a machine. Do 20 minutes at a time, stop, do something else (run round the house, go mental for a bit) come back and do another 20 mins.
Step 1 - Test yourself.
Step 2 - Make a list of things you couldn't do/remember
Step 3 - Revise ONLY the things on your list
Step 4 - Go back to step 1! Test again, hopefully your list of things to learn should get shorter and shorter. Repeat until you're the oracle of all beard.
Step 1 - Test yourself.
- Pick a topic, exam paper, specific set of questions, part of the specification, a page of your revision guide
- Get someone to test you, just ask you random questions and see if you know your stuff...
- ...or do exam questions by yourself and then mark them.
Step 2 - Make a list of things you couldn't do/remember
Step 3 - Revise ONLY the things on your list
- Number 1 technique - Flash cards.
- Number 2 technique - Say facts out loud:
- Read a fact in your head, then cover it up and say it out loud. Check you got it right.
- Read a new fact, cover it up. Say it out loud.
- Then say out loud everything you have learned so far.
- Repeat, continuing to add one fact at a time, then repeating the whole list of facts out loud.
- Read a fact in your head, then cover it up and say it out loud. Check you got it right.
Step 4 - Go back to step 1! Test again, hopefully your list of things to learn should get shorter and shorter. Repeat until you're the oracle of all beard.
Generally reassuring words about taking exams...
1. READ THE QUESTION. Oh my God, if I had a penny
for every time a teacher has said this I would be a multi billionaire. Why?
Because if you don’t read the question properly, you may as well just eat your
exam paper for all the good it will do you. Every single year, since exams
began, people have lost silly amounts of marks because they simply didn’t read
a question properly, or misunderstood what was being asked. We’re all guilty of
skim reading and trying to go too quickly through large amounts of information,
but in an exam you need to pretend you’re suddenly really stupid and need to
read things SLOWLY and repeatedly.
2. Read through the paper before you start answering questions. Believe it or not, there are times in an exam where the answers to one question are given or hinted at in another later on in the paper. I have sat several exams where I’ve found I can’t remember something, only to find 2 pages later that there is some information that jogs my memory or helps me come up with an answer. Secondly, reading through shows you what to expect, gives you an idea of which questions are easy or hard and allows you to plan your time effectively.
3. Don’t waffle. Don’t blag. If you look around you during an assessment or exam, there will always be someone who appears to be writing so much their pen is in danger of combusting. Invariably, people then panic and think that they should also be writing incredible amounts. This is NOT the case. You do NOT get marks in any exam for the amount you write, only the relevance. If you can make a point in 5 words, don’t write a paragraph. Keep your answers direct, short and succinct. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you should always write something, but it should be a relevant guess – put down what you DO know about the subject matter.
4. Don’t panic. When you arrive at the exam, understand this simple fact – You know what you know and everything else is irrelevant. You can do NOTHING about the things you missed or didn’t understand. So forget about it! What matters now is you go in calm and relaxed to enable you to do really well with the knowledge you DO have. Exams are passed and failed sometimes on the attitude you take them with. Relax and do well, panic and your mind goes completely.
5. Don’t discuss your answers after the exam with others. Why put yourself through the torture of wondering if you were wrong on some questions?! How do you know your friends got it right? Maybe you were the only person to truly understand the question and write the correct answer? Either way, it’s pointless and will only cause you to stress, which will then have a knock on effect in your next exam.
6. Have the correct equipment. Have double what you need. There is nothing like being the only person to put their hand up in an exam and have to ask to borrow equipment. It’s not difficult to get a few pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers together.
7. Finally, you are allowed to write on your exam paper whatever you like. So, take in a pencil and a rubber and do the following: If there is a small amount of information, for example a list of things you need to remember or a formula that you just can’t seem to remember for longer than 5 minutes, nail them in your head outside the exam hall. Keep repeating them to yourself. Then, as soon as you are allowed, scribble the information down on a blank page of the exam paper (there is always a blank page). This way, you can then forget about it and stop stressing about forgetting things. It will then be there if you need it, and you can just rub it out at the end. This is NOT cheating, nor would I condone it, but it IS using your head and potentially gaining you a few valuable marks.
2. Read through the paper before you start answering questions. Believe it or not, there are times in an exam where the answers to one question are given or hinted at in another later on in the paper. I have sat several exams where I’ve found I can’t remember something, only to find 2 pages later that there is some information that jogs my memory or helps me come up with an answer. Secondly, reading through shows you what to expect, gives you an idea of which questions are easy or hard and allows you to plan your time effectively.
3. Don’t waffle. Don’t blag. If you look around you during an assessment or exam, there will always be someone who appears to be writing so much their pen is in danger of combusting. Invariably, people then panic and think that they should also be writing incredible amounts. This is NOT the case. You do NOT get marks in any exam for the amount you write, only the relevance. If you can make a point in 5 words, don’t write a paragraph. Keep your answers direct, short and succinct. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you should always write something, but it should be a relevant guess – put down what you DO know about the subject matter.
4. Don’t panic. When you arrive at the exam, understand this simple fact – You know what you know and everything else is irrelevant. You can do NOTHING about the things you missed or didn’t understand. So forget about it! What matters now is you go in calm and relaxed to enable you to do really well with the knowledge you DO have. Exams are passed and failed sometimes on the attitude you take them with. Relax and do well, panic and your mind goes completely.
5. Don’t discuss your answers after the exam with others. Why put yourself through the torture of wondering if you were wrong on some questions?! How do you know your friends got it right? Maybe you were the only person to truly understand the question and write the correct answer? Either way, it’s pointless and will only cause you to stress, which will then have a knock on effect in your next exam.
6. Have the correct equipment. Have double what you need. There is nothing like being the only person to put their hand up in an exam and have to ask to borrow equipment. It’s not difficult to get a few pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers together.
7. Finally, you are allowed to write on your exam paper whatever you like. So, take in a pencil and a rubber and do the following: If there is a small amount of information, for example a list of things you need to remember or a formula that you just can’t seem to remember for longer than 5 minutes, nail them in your head outside the exam hall. Keep repeating them to yourself. Then, as soon as you are allowed, scribble the information down on a blank page of the exam paper (there is always a blank page). This way, you can then forget about it and stop stressing about forgetting things. It will then be there if you need it, and you can just rub it out at the end. This is NOT cheating, nor would I condone it, but it IS using your head and potentially gaining you a few valuable marks.
